Sunday, May 5, 2024
The community within a school in Granbury has come together to support a local teacher recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer.
Christina Lambert teaches at First Discoveries Montessori Academy and has been there for over two years. Toward the end of October, Lambert was diagnosed and has been battling since then. She recently had a port inserted for chemotherapy, which will hopefully reduce the size of a large tumor.
Julie Fazio, who is the owner of First Discoveries, hired Lambert and described her as a perfect match for the school.
“Upon starting her new job with us she had a big learning curve, because the Montessori theory of teaching is very different than the traditional daycare classroom,” Fazio said. “She took to the task of learning everything quickly and within a few months she was determined to lead her own classroom.”
Lambert was able to take over the primary classroom position just three months after she joined First Discoveries.
“She has taken her role very seriously and the students in her room are well-rounded, the students are expressing interest in learning all different types of educational material such as math, science, geography, history, spelling and reading,” Fazio told the HCN. “The areas in the classroom that Christina makes extra fun for the kids are the practical life and art areas. These always have some creative twists in them to keep the kids engaged.”
Fazio also noted that Lambert is certified as a childcare director within the state of Texas.
“Her personality is amazing. She always has a smile on her face. She lights up the room when she walks in. The parents and students adore her because she's always the one who makes them feel welcomed by consoling a child that is having a hard day or asking a parent about their long day after work,” Fazio said.
Due to the cancer, Fazio added that Lambert is in a lot of pain and has been having a rough time.
After hearing about Lambert’s diagnosis and learning she has no insurance, Fazio knew something had to be done. Then a parent at First Discoveries came up with the idea of a bake sale fundraiser to help with Lambert’s medical expenses.
Fazio knew this fundraiser idea needed to happen and over 150 items — cakes, pies, cookies and Christmas treats galore — were brought to the Dec. 15 fundraiser by families of First Discoveries.
Over $1,800 dollars was raised for Lambert and Fazio was thrilled. She plans to have more fundraisers after the holidays are over.
“She will rise above this and find in herself a strength she never knew she had. We will all be here on the sidelines cheering her on and supporting her the entire way,” Fazio said.
To donate to Lambert please send funds through Venmo at Christina-Castillo-110 or through CashApp at $lambertlove82.
